Chemical Peel for Dark Skin?

There are countless types of chemical peels that are commonly used by physicians. The peels generally contain a specific acid (examples include glycolic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid TCA) that acts to coagulate or destroy the superficial layers of skin. Once performed, the peels can effect specific changes in the skin, including reduction of pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and overal skin elasticity. The type of peel depends on the strength of the acid... more

It really depends on whether you have true scars or just discolorations. True scars are firm bumps or atrophic indentations. There has to be a texture change to be called a scar. Discolorations on the other hand are just that. Color changes of the skin. Discolorations can be treated with a series of light chemical peels and bleaching creams. The cost of the light peels are roughly $250-350 each and are done about every 2-3 weeks. Black patients do very well with this combination of... more

Chemical peels (usually a series of peels) that exfoliate the skin can be used to lighten dark spots. There is a distinction though between true scars and dark spots. I would caution you that in individuals with darker skin, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (i.e. darkening of the skin with any procedure) is greater. When I administer chemical peels for individuals with darker skin, I might start with a single coat of a light chemical peeling agent, e.g. sal acid. A test... more